The integration of communications across agencies during an incident is known as:

The correct answer is the concept of interoperability, which refers to the ability of different agencies and organizations to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate effectively during an incident. In the context of emergency response, interoperability ensures that various systems, equipment, and personnel from different agencies can work together seamlessly, sharing information and resources in real-time. This is crucial for optimizing response efforts and enhancing the overall effectiveness of incident management.

Effective interoperability can lead to improved situational awareness, coordinated response strategies, and more efficient resource allocation, which are vital during critical incidents. It emphasizes the importance of standardized communication protocols and joint training exercises, enabling various responders to operate cohesively, even when they belong to different organizations or jurisdictions.

Collaborative response, unified command, and joint planning also play important roles in emergency management, but they do not specifically focus on the integration of communications across different agencies to the same extent as interoperability does. Collaborative response refers to the teamwork aspect, unified command relates to a leadership structure that facilitates joint decision-making, and joint planning pertains to the preparation aspects of response efforts.